-By the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE)
Monrovia – The Liberian Senate has taken decisive action in response to the recent shutdown of 53 tertiary institutions by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE). During Thursday’s plenary session, senators unanimously authorized the Joint Committee on Education and Judiciary to summon and investigate the NCHE leadership over the controversial closures.
The Senate’s move came after Lofa County Senator Joseph K. Jallah submitted a formal communication expressing deep concerns about the commission’s abrupt decision. Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, Director General of NCHE, had earlier this week ordered the immediate closure of the institutions, citing illegal operations and failure to meet regulatory standards.
In his address to the plenary, Senator Jallah acknowledged the importance of maintaining academic standards but questioned the NCHE’s approach. He argued that the mass closures, carried out without adequate transitional measures or prior consultation with affected institutions, local authorities, or legislative representatives, raise serious legal and humanitarian concerns.
The senator highlighted several critical issues requiring Senate scrutiny. First, he pointed out that the sheer number of closures within a short period suggests either a long-standing failure by the NCHE to properly monitor these institutions or a sudden, unexplained shift in policy. He demanded clarity on why these schools were allowed to operate for years if they were non-compliant and whether they were given any opportunity to rectify deficiencies before being shut down.
Second, Senator Jallah emphasized the devastating impact on thousands of Liberian students, particularly those from rural and low-income backgrounds. Many of these students, he noted, have invested significant time, money, and effort into academic programs that have now been abruptly declared illegitimate. The psychological and financial toll on affected families, as well as the sudden loss of income for faculty and staff, remains a pressing concern.
Third, the senator stressed the broader implications for national education, employment, and regional development, calling for a thorough review of the NCHE’s accreditation processes, operational procedures, and accountability mechanisms. He urged the Senate to determine whether the commission acted within its legal mandate and whether due process was followed before implementing such sweeping measures.
To address these concerns, Senator Jallah proposed a four-point action plan. He requested that the NCHE leadership be summoned to appear before the Senate to provide a detailed report on the closures, including a full list of affected institutions with their locations, enrollment figures, and prior accreditation status. Additionally, he demanded transparency on the assessment criteria used, whether institutions were given prior notice, and what plans are in place to support displaced students and employees.
